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wickeri@law.fordham.edu
Leitner Center Urges Support and Respect for Human Dignity in Relief Efforts
The January 12 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Haiti devastated homes, roads, hospitals, schools, government and UN buildings. Emergency responses from local and international organizations are underway, but many remain trapped beneath the rubble, and survivors are running out of food and clean water. Additional aftershocks in the weeks following the earthquake, including a 6.1 magnitude aftershock on Wednesday morning are reminders that the relief and recovery process in Haiti remains vulnerable and in need of additional support.
Haitian communities in the United States have also been affected by the devastation caused by the earthquake. The Leitner Center applauds the Obama Administration’s quick decision to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on Friday, January 15. This will protect Haitians living in the United States as of January 12 from deportation for the next 18 months. This is a move that will provide immediate and profound humanitarian immigration relief to Haitians in the US. The Leitner Center urges support for nonprofit organizations undertaking this important work. Haitians in the U.S. who are eligible to apply for TPS should call United States Citizenship and Immigration Services toll-free at (800) 375-5283.
The Leitner Center also urges everyone to provide whatever financial support they can to aid in efforts to save additional lives and support reconstruction efforts in solidarity with everyone affected. Relief and humanitarian aid must be provided as quickly as possible, while efforts must remain transparent and based on principals of human dignity. Some suggestions for organizations to donate to are listed below.
Additional information about relief efforts in Haiti can be found at:
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